1) Find a user-friendly blogspace like edublogs that is not blocked by your county server and join up.
2) Set up pages based upon your class schedule- these do not have to solely be about litercy, but can also incorporate all content areas. Our school has a separate time for Self Selected Reading that we have used for them to discuss authors, genres, and ideas presented in the literature they are reading--- in small groups, or in this new format using the internet. Also, if you want the kids to interact, you have to a) find time for them to have access to a computer and b) have constructive activities with real purpose behind them.
For content area teachers, it is a way for them to receive feedback concerning the topics being covered, give a new format to discussions about essential knowledge, and create an environment where people are not talking over each other to express an opinion. 3) To have your kids sign up, they must have an email address and password. You can do this individually for them or they can ask to join your edublog. I would suggest the latter- it causes less stress.
Using Blogs
1) Find a user-friendly blogspace like edublogs that is not blocked by your county server and join up.
2) Set up pages based upon your class schedule- these do not have to solely be about litercy, but can also incorporate all content areas. Our school has a separate time for Self Selected Reading that we have used for them to discuss authors, genres, and ideas presented in the literature they are reading--- in small groups, or in this new format using the internet. Also, if you want the kids to interact, you have to a) find time for them to have access to a computer and b) have constructive activities with real purpose behind them.
For content area teachers, it is a way for them to receive feedback concerning the topics being covered, give a new format to discussions about essential knowledge, and create an environment where people are not talking over each other to express an opinion. 3) To have your kids sign up, they must have an email address and password. You can do this individually for them or they can ask to join your edublog. I would suggest the latter- it causes less stress.